If you’ve noticed a change for the better in Roy Hibbert’s game this season and during the NBA playoffs, you can thank Spurs star center Tim Duncan for that, The Indianapolis Star reports.

Hibbert spent considerable time with the 13-time NBA All-Star during the lockout, learning what it takes to become an NBA force. And Hibbert, well known for being unable to control his emotions, has taken a page from the nearly unflappable Duncan and learned to go about his business like the Spurs' veteran. That maturation is a big reason why the Pacers hold a 2-1 series lead against the Miami Heat. Duncan is said to text Hibbert after every game.

Roy Hibbert is coming off a 19-point, 18-rebound performance in a Game 3 win against the Heat. Teammate Darren Collision calls Hibbert the key thus far in the Heat series. (AP Photo)

"Roy's been the biggest key in this series," Pacers guard Darren Collison told The Indianapolis Star. "He's been protecting the paint better than I've ever seen him. It's not just his effort. His effort is there, but also is his assertiveness. Those are the type of numbers you expect from an All-Star center."

Hibbert grew up idolizing Duncan, and now he’s imitating him. Hibbert had 19 points and a career-high 18 rebounds in the Pacers’ Game 3 win and is averaging a Duncan-like 14.7 points, 13.3 rebounds and 3.0 blocks in this series.

It no doubt helps that Hibbert doesn’t have to contend with Heat big man Chris Bosh, who has missed the past two games with an abdominal strain and is out indefinitely. But you have to give considerable credit to Hibbert himself for putting in the work to change his ways.

"I had a roller coaster first three years in terms of my career," Hibbert said. "(Duncan) doesn't get too high, doesn't get too low. I model my game after him. He's somebody who looks out for me."